Zululand still in a drought

FROM a high of 47.84% on 16 September, the Goedertrouw Dam’s level has dropped to 45.06% as at Thursday, 31 January.

While some may feel the drop is large, it is in fact massive considering the size of the dam and the amount of water abtracted for agricultural and domestic use.

Rainfall in the catchments of all Zululand dams has not been great and the region is still in the grip of a severe drought.

Often referred to as a ‘green drought’, many do not realise the impact as the vegetation appears to be a healthy green and not showing signs of wilting.

A closer look at the vegetation will, however, paint a different picture.

The veld and livestock, especially in the rural areas, is under serious pressure.

Barren patches of land in-between the trees is a tell tale sign of the true picture.

Rainfall dropping off

The last rainfall episode was over six days (23 to 28 January) when 24.4mm were measured and resulted in the Goedertrouw rising to 45.13 per cent.

Before then the level was on a downward trend.

Although better than the 18.99 per cent on 1 January 2018, the dam was at 45.98 per cent on 1 January this year.

The water level has steadily dropped since 18 September after good spring rains fell over the region.

Unfortunately, Zululand is already moving out of its rainfall season as winter approaches and not much more rain can be expected. Coastal rains do fall during autumn and winter, but none of these add to the major dam catchments.

All communities are requested to continue to use water sparingly.